Find a Tree Surgeon near you
The average rating for Bark Tree Surgeons is 4.74, based on 374,943 reviews
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based on 374,943 reviews
Is your tree looking more troublesome than tame?Read our handy guide to find out how much your professional will charge for tree planting, pruning, removal and more.
Just like us, trees need routine checks to stay healthy and happy. A tree surgeon makes sure a tree is properly cared for throughout its life cycle. They are responsible for planting, pruning, and removing trees as well as identifying and treating diseases. But how much do tree surgeons cost? This price guide will help you get started, so you can set your budget and find your tree-cutting professional.
A quick note before we begin: the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is one of the most recognised schemes to certify that a tree surgeon meets the minimum requirements of professionalism and safety, and for good reason. Tree surgery can be dangerous if you don't know exactly what you're doing. If you’re considering DIY tree surgery, bear in mind that a professional is worth hiring for the health of your tree, but more importantly, for your safety!
For the non-experts among us, it can be tricky to know when there is a problem and if you need to pay for a tree surgeon. If you notice any of these problems with your tree, it's worth calling an expert for advice, as well as a quote. Get in touch with a tree surgeon if you notice:
Mushrooms or fungi around the base of the tree
Roots which have detached
Cavities or indications of decay on the bark
Dead branches
Discoloured leaves
Of course, you might simply want to have a tree trimmed or removed because it's too large or you're planning to do some serious gardening work. A tree surgeon can help with this too.
It's worth knowing just how much a tree surgeon is going to cost before you commit to hiring someone. The price depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tree and the type of maintenance needed. To give you a general idea, here’s a ballpark figure for two of the most common tree surgery services:
| Average cost of tree removal (in total) | £400 |
| Average cost of tree pruning (in total) | £300 |
Bear in mind that these are wide UK averages, so we'll go into more detail below.
Some tree surgery tasks may require more skill and time to complete. For example, if the tree is hazardous or diseased, you can expect to pay around £50 - £200 more than the average price, depending on the severity of the problem. If accessibility to your tree is difficult, you will also pay more for the labour costs.
Now let's get more specific.
Removing a whole tree is a substantial undertaking and one that requires careful consideration of various factors. In the UK, the cost of tree removal can vary significantly based on the size of the tree. On average, removing a small tree (up to to 25 feet) costs around £200. This price includes cutting down the tree and removing the debris, but it might not cover stump removal, which is often an additional cost. Small trees are generally easier to handle, requiring less time and equipment, hence the lower cost.
For medium-sized trees (up to 50 feet), the average removal cost increases to approximately £400. These trees are larger and require more labor and specialized equipment to ensure safe removal, particularly if they are located near buildings or power lines. Large trees (over 50 feet high) present the greatest challenge and can cost £900 or more to remove. The complexity of safely felling a large tree, especially in residential areas, involves significant risks and necessitates experienced professionals equipped with advanced machinery and safety gear. This comprehensive service, often including branch removal, trunk sectioning, and clean-up, justifies the higher expense.
| Height | Minimum cost (in total) | Maximum cost (in total) | Average cost (in total) |
| Up to 25ft | £70 | £300 | £200 |
| 26 - 50ft | £300 | £700 | £400 |
| 51ft+ | £750 | £1,000+ | £900 |
As you can see, there's a fairly wide range of prices, so it's worth asking for a few quotes and balancing them against each other.
You'll also find that your location in the UK will affect how much you pay. Here are some of the biggest price differences:
| Location | Average cost (in total) |
| London area | £650 |
| South, South West and Midlands | £425 |
| Outer region and North | £400 |
Maybe you've already had the tree cut down, or you've moved into a home with a stump in the garden that you want to get rid of. The price of removing a tree stump can vary significantly depending on the size and type of the stump, the complexity of the removal process, and its location. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £60 and £500 per stump. Here’s what influences these costs:
Small stumps (up to 20 cm in diameter)
These are generally the least expensive to remove, costing between £60 and £100. The smaller size makes them easier to grind or extract.
Medium stumps (20-50 cm in diameter)
Removal costs for medium stumps typically range from £100 to £200. These stumps require more labor and larger equipment.
Large stumps (over 50 cm in diameter)
The cost for large stumps can range from £200 to £500 or more. Their removal is more complex and may involve heavy-duty machinery.
Stumps with extensive or deep root systems are more challenging to remove. This complexity can increase the cost due to the additional labor and time required.
Hardwoods like oak or maple have denser and more stubborn root systems, which can be more expensive to remove compared to softer woods like pine.
If the stump is located in a hard-to-reach area, such as a backyard with limited access for machinery, the removal process can be more labor-intensive and costly. Urban locations may also incur higher costs due to transportation and disposal fees.
Stump grinding
This is the most common method and involves grinding the stump down to below ground level. Costs for stump grinding typically range from £60 to £150 for small to medium stumps and can go up to £300 for larger ones.
Stump removal
This involves extracting the entire stump and root system from the ground, which is generally more expensive than grinding. Prices for full removal can range from £150 to £500 or more, depending on the stump’s size and root complexity.
Some companies offer additional services such as wood chipping, log splitting, and removal of debris. These services can add to the overall cost, with fees ranging from £50 to £100.
Pruning a tree is a crucial maintenance task that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also ensures the health and safety of the tree and its surroundings. On average, tree pruning costs range from £150 to £600 per tree.
| Height | Minimum cost (in total) | Maximum cost (in total) | Average cost (in total) |
| Up to 25ft | £70 | £250 | £150 |
| 26 - 50ft | £250 | £500 | £300 |
| 51ft+ | £500 | £900 | £600 |
Several things come into play when you're getting your quote, as they will affect the amount of work that needs to be carried out. This RHS guide is a great introduction to what your tree surgeon will do, albeit on a larger scale. The price of pruning will be based on the following:
Small tree
Pruning small trees is generally less expensive, costing between £70 and £250. These trees are easier to manage and require less time and equipment.
Medium trees
The cost for pruning medium-sized trees typically ranges from £250 to £500. These trees require more time, equipment, and sometimes specialized techniques.
Large trees
Pruning large trees can be quite complex and may cost between £500 and £900 or more. This is due to the height, the volume of branches, and the need for advanced climbing and safety equipment.
Different tree species have varying pruning needs. For instance, deciduous trees like maples or oaks might require different techniques compared to coniferous trees like pines or spruces. The specific characteristics of the tree can influence the complexity and cost of pruning.
Extent of pruning needed
Light pruning
This involves minor trimming and shaping, which can cost between £100 and £200 for small to medium trees.
Heavy pruning
More extensive pruning, including removing large branches, correcting tree structure, or preparing for storms, can cost significantly more, ranging from £300 to £800 or higher.
Trees located in hard-to-reach areas, such as back gardens with limited access, can increase the cost due to the difficulty of getting equipment and personnel to the site.
Pruning diseased, damaged, or hazardous trees may require special care and techniques, increasing the overall cost. Additional treatments or safety precautions may be necessary, adding to the expense.
The cost of tree surgeons in London and the Southeast is often higher due to increased demand and operational costs. Rural areas may offer more competitive pricing but this can vary based on the availability of professional services.
Some tree care companies offer additional services such as disposal of cut branches, chipping, and debris removal, which can add £50 to £100 or more to the total cost.
To save money on tree surgery, consider scheduling the work during the off-peak season, typically late winter or early spring, when demand is lower. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable arborists to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best value. Additionally, if feasible, opt to handle debris removal yourself to reduce overall costs. Here are some additional things to keep in mind.
The cost of tree surgeons in London and the Southeast is often higher due to increased demand and operational costs. Rural areas may offer more competitive pricing but this can vary based on the availability of professional services. Even if tree surgery costs more in your area, remember to get different quotes to ensure you're paying a fair price.
| Location | Average cost (in total) |
| London area | £400 |
| South, South West and Midlands | £300 |
| Outer region and North | £250 |
The time of year can also affect the cost of tree pruning. Late winter to early spring is typically the best time for pruning many tree species, as it promotes healthy growth. However, during peak seasons, prices might be higher due to increased demand. Try taking care of your trees in the off-season to take advantage of potentially lower prices.
While some homeowners may consider a DIY approach to save money, it’s important to factor in the cost of renting equipment and the potential safety risks involved. Professional stump removal services, though more expensive, ensure the job is done efficiently and safely, often with guaranteed results. For this reason, paying for a tree surgeons is generally worth the money, and it's best not to cut corners in aid of your budget here.
The average rating for Bark Tree Surgeons is 4.74, based on 374,943 reviews
5/5
based on 374,943 reviews
